The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), in partnership with Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE), has launched the first ever Made in Bangladesh Week – a global event to help boost equitable growth in the apparel industry.
Taking place between 12th – 18th November 2022, Made in Bangladesh Week will give garment workers and manufacturers a global platform to tell stories of transformation and progress in workplace safety, workers’ wellbeing, environmental sustainability and innovation to inspire positive change.
As the BGMEA targets a 10 percent share of the global apparel market by 2025, up from 8 percent today, and an export target of $100 bn by 2030, the event will provide industry stakeholders with an opportunity to set out their vision for the next decade as Bangladesh continues to pursue new areas of expansion and manufacturing excellence.
Significant progress has been made in the Bangladesh apparel industry since the Rana Plaza tragedy almost 10 years ago, but the BGMEA and BAE believe transparency and collaboration is essential to foster positive long-term, systemic change.
Made in Bangladesh Week will open the doors of this industry to the world to demonstrate how the country is building towards a sustainable, resilient, modern, fair and equitable supply chain through the sharing of best practice.
The event will also encourage open and honest conversation about some of the barriers to progress, pointing to potential solutions that will empower fashion brands, and manufacturers alike, to operate in a truly responsible and sustainable way.
President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Faruque Hassan said: “The Bangladesh apparel industry has made a significant progress in last decade. As well improvements in health and safety, steady progress has been made in sustainability. With Made in Bangladesh Week, we are inviting the world to witness the progress and play a part in discussions which will continue to drive improvement across the whole industry.”
Empowering: Made in Bangladesh Week will also highlight the strengths and capabilities of the apparel industry in Bangladesh to position the country as a preferred and competitive choice for global buyers.
Bangladesh is currently the world’s second largest apparel exporter and holds 8 percent of the global market, representing a sizable opportunity for growth. The industry currently employs more than 4 mn people in Bangladesh, represents about 84 percent of the country’s total exports and more than 11 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In pursuing sustainable growth in the apparel industry, Bangladesh aims to make a significant broader impact on the economy, environment and people’s livelihoods.
Made in Bangladesh Week will mark too the global launch of the BGMEA Innovation Centre. The centre will promote sustainable and technological innovation in the apparel industry across the country, which will move to address increasing competition, add value, meet the evolving needs of global customers and create a more resilient and sustainable industry that will protect workers for the future.
Made in Bangladesh Week set to be the largest-ever gathering of the Bangladesh apparel industry and its global partners. It will be inaugurated by Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and will feature a range of speaker including global brands and retailers, policymakers, trade bodies, journalists, academics and trade bodies.
The week will comprise 17 physical events including summits, exhibitions, workshops, conferences, awards, factory tours, a fashion runway show, a cultural show and networking opportunities.
Founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) Mostafiz Uddin said: “The overarching theme of the event is ‘Care for Fashion’. We look forward to hosting stakeholders from the global apparel industry here in Bangladesh to talk about the future of fashion and to push positive progress that will serve to benefit the millions of people whose lives and livelihoods depend on this industry.”
The Week is powered by Epic Group, in association with PDS Limited. Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh is the platinum sponsor of the event. While Noize Jeans is gold sponsoring the event, A&E, ILO Better Work, WRAP, YKK, DHL, A.P. Moller – Maersk, and Green Delta Insurance Company Limited are silver sponsors.
